Chelsea Deeter (so. Langhorne/Neshaminy), an All-PSAC East first team center-back, returns to anchor a Golden Bears defensive unit that held the opposition to 1.88 goals per game, including six shutouts.

“Chelsea has been fantastic for us,” Burstein said. “She is more motivated and determined than ever before and she is playing her best soccer to date. She has a strong desire to lead our program to new heights and I have tremendous confidence in her abilities”

Senior Alex Butler (sr. Montoursville/Montoursville), a 2006 PSAC East second team member who started in 16 games last season, also returns on defense for KU.

“Alex has great speed and was our most consistent back last fall,” Burstein said. “She can get forward quickly to attack and very rarely makes a mistake.”

They’ll work in front of keeper Brittany Melnyk (so. Sinking Spring/Wilson), who will move into the starting role in 2008. As a backup last season, she played in five games. Melnyk, who will be backed up by sophomore Kristin Mann (so. Freehold, N.J./Colts Neck), made two starts for KU, collecting shutouts in each one.

“There’s a new determination behind her now that she’s in the starting role,” Burstein said. “We have not yet seen the best Brittany has to offer, but I am confident she will become a vital part of our defensive unit this fall.”

Also returning for the Golden Bears is junior midfielder Raven Chiara (jr. Jamesburg, N.J./Monroe Twp.) and sophomore forward Jen Pyne (so. Wall, N.J./Wall) and sophomore midfielder Trystin Figel (so. Middlesex, N.J./Middlesex). All three provided depth on the bench by giving starters breaks and creating offensive chances.

Pyne, who battled through a leg injury, scored two goals for the Golden Bears.

“Jen had a truly fantastic spring and is ready to play,” Burstein said. “She was disappointed with her performances last fall, but with her deceptive speed and her ability to go at defenders in one-on-one situations, I think she is a very dangerous player who will provide our team with plenty of goal scoring opportunities. She is very determined to have a great year and I truly believe she will.”

Chiara, who provided speed and strength in the midfield, also had two goals for KU.

“Raven is the most technically gifted player we have and she is capable of great quality no matter where she plays,” Burstein said. “She will move to the front line, where she is most comfortable, so I expect her to make a massive impact from the start.”

Figel also played through an injury, substituting in with a cast on her arm and producing for KU. She had a goal in 14 games.

“Trystin has great vision and is capable of playing the ball quickly when in possession,” Burstein said. “She is an efficient passer of the ball and consistently connects her passes. She is ever improving and can be a major factor for us in the fall.”

KU welcomes 13 freshmen, who will play a vital role in leading the young Golden Bears back to 10 wins this season.

The class includes Chelsea Bressler (fr. Cleona/Annville-Cleona), Emily Froehlich (fr. Perkasie/Pennridge), Nina Zerrer (fr. Wooster, Ohio/Wooster), BriAnne Ramsay (fr. New Albany, Ohio/Westerville North), Shannon Pennock (fr. Mansfield, N.J./Northern Burlington), Rachel Mehaffey (fr. West Deptford, N.J./West Deptford), Christen Stroehlein (fr. Tabernacle, N.J./Seneca), Laura Hearn (fr. Wall, N.J./Saint Rose), Lauren Brown (fr. Dover, Del./Caesar Rodney), Ashley Kodluk (fr Logan Township, N.J./Kingsway), Sydnee Yeary (fr. Laurel, Del./Sussex Tech), Amber Strock (fr. Chambersburg/Chambersburg) and Stephanie Addleman (fr. Chambersburg/Chambersburg).

Unlike the typical freshmen class, these players are ready to hit the field, giving the Golden Bears, who have just one senior and one junior, more depth in Burstein’s second season as KU coach.

“Our program is changing,” he said. “We’re deeper than we were last year with more incoming players having played year for solid club programs. They’re coming prepared to play and committed to win.”

They’re also coming in with the right attitude and mentality. The returning players, added with the 13 newcomers, believe they can be a playoff contender every year, they expect it.

“They believe they can win championships, and that makes them dangerous,” Burstein said. “Beating ranked teams last season gave us confidence. We were competitive in every game and I believe we are capable of playing great soccer, more consistently, over the course of the entire season.”

The Golden Bears open their season at 1 p.m. Aug. 30 against Mercyhurst at Keystone Field.